Tarun Nagar 
Two years ago, Joey Jia, CEO of Crazy Maple Studio, noticed a rising trend in China—short-form video content was taking over platforms like TikTok and Douyin.
Meanwhile, streaming platforms like iQIYI, often called the “Chinese Netflix,” were investing in 10-minute-long videos far more cost-effective than traditional, high-budget productions.
This shift created a gap in the market—a middle ground between casual short videos and full-length shows. Seeing this opportunity, Joey Jia launched ReelShort, a platform dedicated to short-form storytelling that quickly gained traction.
Studies show that 30% of short form videos have an average watch rate of over 81%, showing high completion rates. This shows that people prefer bite-sized and engaging content. This has sparked interest among entrepreneurs looking to invest in short-form video app development.
With short video content booming worldwide, now is the perfect time to develop an app like ReelShort. If you’re looking to tap into this growing market, this blog will drive you through the steps to create a short drama application.
So, let’s start!
What is a ReelShort App?
ReelShort is a short-form video streaming application launched by an American-based company named Crazy Maple Studio. It is a bite-sized video streaming platform that serves entertainment via serial dramas.
With a short video app development solution, users can simply watch short videos like movies or shows for free. Additionally, users can use virtual currency like coins to unlock premium episodes.
Currently, the ReelShort app has over 50 million active users worldwide. Only the USA accounts for 40% of ReelShort’s market share. What makes this app popular is the shows like “Fated To My Forbidden Alpha” and Never Divorce a Secret Billionaire Heiress.”
Video Streaming Industry: Key Facts You Can’t Ignore
- Global Streaming Revenue: The global market for Video Streaming (SVoD) is expected to bring in US$119.10bn in 2025.
- Market Size: It is anticipated that the size of the worldwide video streaming industry will increase from US$674.25 billion in 2025 to US$2,660.88 billion by 2032. (Fortune business insights)
- Revenue Generation From USA: With an anticipated revenue of US$47,890.00m in 2025, the United States will contribute the majority of worldwide revenue.
- Best 5 Streaming Apps: As of 2023, Netflix (73%), Amazon (67%), Hulu (52%), Disney+ (42%), and Max (39%) are the leading streaming services worldwide.(Cord Cutting)
Source: Statista
- Average Revenue Per User: In the global Video on demand (VOD) service industry, the ARPU is expected to reach US$78.97 by 2025.
- Number of Users: By 2025, there will likely be 3.7 billion users in the OTT video business.
- Usage: Sixty-five percent of the time, people stream videos using TV apps and mobile devices instead of web browsers. (Uscreen)
How Investing In ReelShort Clone App Development Boosts Your Business?
Do you wonder how short-form video app development like ReelShort can boost your venture? Take a look at the benefits to create a mobile app alternative to ReelShort that can enhance your brand.
1. Increased Engagement
Short clip apps like ReelShort have covered 1200% more than pictures and text. If you develop an app like ReelShort, it is advisable to integrate features like social sharing, likes, and comments to enhance customer engagement and boost customer retention.
2. Boost Brand Awareness
Branded short-form videos are 54% more likely to generate purchase intent than traditional formats. Viral content can boost the visibility of your brand exponentially. Thus, investing in ReelShort short-form video app development can improve your brand awareness.
3. Monetization Opportunities
As per sources, it is projected that the short-form video market will boost $50 billion worldwide by 2027. The TikTok-like apps generate profit through in-app advertisement, subscription plans, or pay-per-view content. App similar to this, you can also earn money by leveraging prominent monetization strategies like payment gateways.
4. Adaptability Across Industries
Over different industries, from education to fitness, entertainment, or shopping, short clips may efficiently give demos’ of the items or products, services, and expertise you are providing. More than 73% of users choose to know about the item or service via videos rather than textual content or audio.
How To Build An App Like ReelShort?
To develop an application like ReelShort, you need to hire an OTT app development company who have expertise in creating video streaming apps. The below simple steps will help you create a short-form video application.
1. Do Market Research
To begin, you must identify the intended audience. ReelShort was successful because it targeted a specific group: middle-aged women who like intense and romantic stories. Identify what kind of content your audience likes and how they like to read it. For example, young people and kids love to watch anime.
Then, look at the competitors that are already in the same market as you. Look into apps like Quibi, TikTok, and other apps similar to ReelShort. Also, find out what they did right and what they did wrong. Here are some things you may ask yourself:
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2. Business Model and Monetization
Choose the right monetization strategy and business model based on your target audience and market study to make sure your business grows steadily. For apps like ReelShort for free, the freemium strategy works best for new short video apps. However the business model should have a strong plan to keep the number of paid accounts that are kept.
You can do this by letting users buy things inside the Reel-sharing app like TikTok and watch ads in return for credits that can be used to get free premium episodes. This method not only gives users more value but also turns the business model into a game, which makes users more interested. Here are some things you may ask yourself:
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3. Design the User Interface
The next step to develop an app like ReelShort is to plan out how people will use and interact with the app. Make a wireframe or sample of your app to show the look and work. You should also think about your app’s style, navigation, color scheme, fonts, icons, buttons, and other visual parts. Additionally, your app’s user flow, contact, feedback, and animation are also things you should think about.
You can also use design elements that are simple, clear, and compatible with your brand for clone Video on demand service apps. Also, it is best to make the most of the screen space, require as little input from the user as possible, and make recording, editing, and playing back videos easy to do with motions. Here are some of the best things you can do:
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4. Develop the ReelShort-like App
You need to begin working on the app’s front end and back end to make an app like ReelShort. You need to use the selected programming languages and frameworks to write the code for your app’s features and logic. So hiring the right Android app development team will make sure that your app always has a wide range of videos, which will keep your customers interested.
But you also need to use the chosen APIs and SDKs to connect your app to the server services and databases. Also, you should make sure that your app can encode and decode videos, as well as authenticate users, give permissions, analyze data, and more. You can ask yourself the below questions:
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5. Test and Launch the App
After building a short video app, you need to try it, put it on the market, and market it. Before you make an app like ReelShort available to the general public, you must properly test it for mistakes, crashes, bugs, and vulnerabilities.
Along with launching your app on the relevant app stores (App Store or Google Play) intended audience and grabbing more users, you must adequately market your app. Additionally, you might ask yourself the following questions:
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Must-have Features of ReelShort App Development
To make your live streaming application popular, you should integrate the below must-have features that the ReelShort app has. Besides, you can also add some customized features accordingly to make it stand out.
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Bite-sized Content
Each episode is only one to two minutes long, but they pack a lot of drama, cliffhangers, and story twists into that short time. So you can read things in the breaks between your daily tasks, on your way to work, or during your coffee break.
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Short Episodes
Reelshort’s show episodes are only one to two minutes long. You should also facilitate short episode features in your entertainment app development solution so that users can watch all of the videos at once. This way, when users need to pause the movie, they will not have to remember how long it is.
- Multi-System Supported
One of the best features of alternatives to reelshort is multi-system support. Similar to this, you can provide a multi-device streaming feature that can be used on both Android and iPhone devices. It helps users to watch movies or shows on their PCs if they are desktop users.
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Watch Party
When you make an app like ReelShort, integrating the “watch party” feature can allow users to share videos with their friends and family, which increases the engagement of referrals. Users who do not have the quick video app yet are more likely to get it so they can join the watch parties.
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Serialized Storytelling
You should offer serialized storytelling, in contrast to the majority of short-form video apps like Tubi, which are all about viral or random material. The app focuses on storylines that adhere to conventional drama genres, including romance, betrayal, and family secrets, and it features dozens of episodes.
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Monetization via Virtual Currency
You can set up a virtual currency system so that users can buy coins to get access to premium shows. Users do not have to sign up for a full subscription to watch a few shows for free. They can also get coins by watching ads or doing things inside the ReelShort clone app development, which makes it feel more like a game.
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Personalized Recommendation
Many short video apps are missing this important feature. Using machine learning algorithms to pick out material will definitely get users more involved. Automated push notifications that are tailored to each user’s tastes will also help keep them as a user.
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Free and Accessible Content
In starting, you can provide free-to-use shows or movies just to gain an audience. You should not add any subscription or in-app freemium plan to your social media app development solution. This makes it highly available to a wide audience. But once you gain a huge potential audience, then you can offer subscription-based shows or movies or rental shows to earn money.
Top 8 Short Video Apps Like ReelShort
If you are looking for the best short video applications like ReelShort, you can check out the below ReelShort alternatives.
ReelShort Alternatives |
Available Platform |
Downloads |
Ratings |
| DramaBox | Android | iOS | 50M+ | 4.4 |
| GoodShort | Android | iOS | 10M+ | 4.9 |
| ShortMax | Android | iOS | 50M+ | 4.3 |
| MoboReels | Android | iOS | 10M+ | 4.6 |
| FlexTV | Android | iOS | 5M+ | 4.6 |
| JoyReels | Android | iOS | 1M+ | 4.3 |
| SnackShort | Android | iOS | 1M+ | 4.5 |
| Playlet | Android | iOS | 500K+ | 3.6 |
How Much Does It Cost To Develop An App Like ReelShort?
The cost to build a video streaming application like ReelShort can be between $10000 – $25000. However, the cost to build an app like ReelShort can go beyond depending on aspects like app complexity, features, app design, platform type, and so on.
A simple short-form like ReelShort with easy features can cost you between $10000 – $15000. However, if you want to customize your app with advanced functionalities, then the ballpark estimation will be $25000 or more.
Thus, it is recommended to build cross-platform app solutions which is reasonable and takes less time. Now, let’s have a glance at the cost to develop an app like ReelShort.
App Complexity |
Cost Estimation |
| Simple ReelShort Similar Apps | $10000 – $15000 |
| Medium ReelShort Similar Apps | $15000 – $20000 |
| Complex ReelShort Similar Apps | $25000+ |
Note: These are just the basic ReelShort app cost estimations of each platform as per complexity. You can also calculate the cost to build an app ReelShort by leveraging the formula below:
Total ReelShort App Development Cost = Developer’s Rate * Development Time.
Now that you are well-versed with the ReelShort app development cost, it is time to get help from a video streaming app development company. They can provide a detail quotation as per your business requirements.
Factors Affecting the ReelShort App Development Cost
Developing an application similar to ReelShort requires careful planning and budgeting. The total cost depends on various factors influencing the app’s design, features, and functionality. So, let’s have a glance at the key factors influencing the short form video app development cost:
1. App Features and Complexity
If your app has more features, it will increase the development cost. Essential Short video apps similar to ReelShort with simple video uploading and playback functions cost less. However, the cost will rise if you implement customized features like real-time video editing, filters, and AI-powered recommendations.
Feature |
Complexity |
Estimated Cost |
Notes |
| User Login | Basic | $500 – $1,000 | Social media login, email/password, forgot password |
| User Profile | Basic | $900 – $1,000 | Add info, photo, set region |
| Messaging | Medium | $3,000 – $5,000 | Online/offline status, media files, read/sent status |
| Push Notifications | Basic | $1,000 – $1,200 | Reminders, updates |
| Payments | Medium | $2,500 – $3,000 | Transaction history, add cards, payment gateways |
| Admin Panel | Basic | $3,500 – $4,000 | User management, content moderation |
2. Development Platform
The cost of ReelShort clone app development depends on whether you build the app for iOS, Android, or both. Developing for both online video platforms requires more time and resources compared to a single platform. The iOS app development company suggested going for cross-platform development as it can reduce costs, but it may not always offer the best performance.
Platform Types |
Estimated Costs |
| Native ReelShort like Apps | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Hybrid ReelShort like Apps | $15,000 – $27,000 |
| Cross-platform ReelShort like Apps | $8,000 – $20,000 |
3. App Design
A well-designed short clip video application with a smooth user experience requires expert designers and developers. However, creating a user-friendly interface, custom animations, and interactive elements adds to the overall cost. Thus, a simple design of an online video platform costs less, while visually appealing and complex designs require more investment.
Design Level |
Estimated Cost Range |
| Simple UI/UX Design | $2500 to $4000 |
| Medium UI/UX Design | $4,000 to $5500 |
| Advanced UI/UX Design | $7,000+ |
4. Development Team and Location
The cost to hire mobile app developers varies based on their location and expertise. Developers in countries like the United States and Canada charge more, while those in countries in Eastern Europe offer more affordable rates.
Regions |
Cost Estimation (Hourly) |
| USA | $30 – $55 |
| Canada | $40 – $60 |
| Australia | $30 – $70 |
| India | $15 – $25 |
| Belgium | $50 – $100 |
| New Zealand | $40 – $120 |
5. Maintenance and Updates
The OTT app development does not end after the launch. It is vital to know that regular updates, bug fixes, and security improvements are essential to keep the app running smoothly. Thus, ongoing mobile app maintenance and support service requires additional costs, which should be considered during budgeting.
Maintenance and Updates |
Estimated Cost |
| Bug fixes and performance optimization | $1,000 – $2500 per month |
| Security updates and vulnerability patching | $500 – $2,000 per month |
| Server and infrastructure maintenance | $500 – $1000 per month (depending on usage) |
| New feature development and updates | $1,000 – $2500+ per month (depending on complexity) |
Monetization Models For Your ReelShort Clone App
So, you have created an amazing mini video platform. Simple, visually appealing, and begin to grab huge user base, right? But how do you monetize the live streaming app development? What revenue streams will be the best for your solution? Let’s take a look at the below methods that you can replicate with your application like ReelShort.
1. Subscription Model
Have you ever joined a streaming service just to watch tons of episodes of the show everyone is talking about? That is the power of scarcity. You can charge users a monthly or yearly fee to get premium material like popular dramas, early access to episodes, or experiences without ads from video streaming app development solution.
Make premium peaks of popular Korean shows like Magia’s Good Girl, just like ReelShort does. You can also add value by giving extras like behind-the-scenes videos, director’s cuts, or even Q&As with the makers.
2. In-app Advertisements
Most likely, the last video ad you saw was well-shot, well-directed, and made you want to know more. In-app ads work like magic in this case. As you work with brands, you can show custom ads between videos or before premium content.
To make ads that are both interesting and not annoying, it is best to use AI algorithms that figure out what the user wants. For example, ReelShort clone app development could promote K-beauty brands during a drama where the main character’s life is all about being glamorous.
3. Pay-Per-View Model
Have you ever bought a movie ticket just to see the newest hit? Pay-per-view works the same way but in your Micro-video apps. Users should have to pay a one-time fee to watch any popular or exclusive shows or live events.
So, for example, the Reelshort app development solution might let you buy a single copy of a highly anticipated series finale launch. This plan makes sure that even casual users will help you make money without signing up for a subscription.
4. Content Partnership
How about if your social video app is the place where artists and production companies start? You can just work with artists to host. They can help you get people to interact with your material and show them things that interest them.
Give people the chance to work on making exclusive trailers or shows that can only be seen on your free apps like ReelShort but free. Imagine that your app, like ReelShort, worked with the biggest K-drama producer to show sneak peeks of upcoming shows and boost numbers and buzz.
Video Streaming App Development: Our Case Study!
We have created live video streaming solutions for people at events, ranging from easy apps to more complex features. Due to signed NDAs, we can not say how much certain tapp really costs, but we can give you a general idea of how much it will cost if you finally choose to partner with us on a project.
Project 1: Live Streaming Platform for Event Attendees
The client was a new mobile entertainment app. It required a mobile application that would get people more involved with the event. The app had to be able to take good pictures and videos during live shows.
“Dev Technosys team developed an iOS app for live streaming that lets people at entertainment shows watch live video and take high-resolution pictures of the event. For video streaming from different views, the app works with stage cameras and the local server environment. Our live streaming app development team made a prototype of an iOS app that can stream multiple TV channels in real-time. The Micro-video apps lets people at entertainment shows connect to cameras on stage, stream live video, and take high-resolution pictures of the show.” |
Cost: The cost of building a video streaming app for event attendees was based on its intricacy, integrated features, and user interface.
Ready To Make An Application Like ReelShort?
From the business plan to the user experience with features, this blog post talked over everything you need to know to launch a short video application like ReelShort. We also went over must-haves and cost to develop an app like ReelShort.
Short-form video apps will be very popular in 2025. If you want to create an app like ReelShort and follow this trend, you can hire a mobile app development company to help you make your own short video application like ReelShort. Do not wait any longer—book a free consultation immediately!
Frequently Asked Questions!
Q1. What is a Short Video Application?
A short video app is a video streaming application that only plays short clip app shows or movies or bite-sized content of 2 to 10 mins.
Q2. Is ReelShort App Safe or Legit to Use?
Yes, the ReelShort app is totally safe to use. It is a secured platform for bite-size entertainment. You should be stress-free about getting your personal data leaked utilizing the application.
Q3. Can I Watch ReelShort for Free?
Yes, it is completely free app. It enables you to see shows or movies for free. You can simply watch limited episodes for free but you need to pay or watch ads for full episodes.
Q4. How Long Will It Take To Create An App Like ReelShort?
The approximate time to create an application similar to ReelShort can be between 2 – 6 months. However, the time can vary with the level of customization. So, it is recommended to get assistance from a ReelShort app development company.
Q5. How Much Does It Cost To Build An Application Like ReelShort?
The cost to develop an app similar to ReelShort is between $10000 – $25000 or more as per your project requirements and customizations in features. You can talk to a short video app development company about the same.
Q6. How To Develop An App like ReelShort Without Coding?
To launch a short-video platform like ReelShort without coding, follow the below process:
- Do market research
- Business model & monetization
- Design the user interface
- Develop the ReelShort app with the builder
- Test & launch the app
- Market and monetize
Q7. How To Earn Money From Your Short-Form Video App?
You can monetize your short clip video app similar to ReelShort by applying the below methods:
- In-app purchase
- In-app advertisement
- Subscription model
- Pay-per-view
- Content partnership
